2013 Valedictorian Announcement

We announce with great pride that the Valedictorian for the class of 2013 in the College of Arts and Sciences is math major William Tressel. William is about to complete four successful years at USD with a 3.99 GPA.

William, who grew up in Concord, CA, started his undergraduate studies at USD in 2009 with the support of the USD Academic Excellence Award and the Bishop Maher Catholic Leadership Scholarship. William had originally planned to study history, but once he discovered his love for mathematics, he decided to pursue a major in math.

"I am very grateful for the commitment of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department to ensuring that students like myself have the freedom to pursue academic interests of our own choosing. I have had a great time working as a tutor in the Mathematics Learning Center as well as participating in Competitions such as Putnam and the Comap Mathematical Competition in Modeling. Also, I have greatly enjoyed conducting research with my advisor, Dr. Friedman," says William.

William's desire to explore led him to study abroad in Hungary during the Spring 2012 semester through the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics Program. His growing fascination with mathematical discovery inspired him to apply to graduate school. This fall, William will be attending the University of Washington to begin graduate studies towards a Ph.D. in Biostatistics.

William has received a number of awards for his accomplishments. Last summer, William conducted research at the Mathematical and Theoretical Biology Institute, Arizona State University. William and his team were recognized at the 2012 Conference of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), winning one of two prizes given to applied math poster presentations. Other distinctions include nomination as a member of the National Academic Honor Society Phi Beta Kappa, an Honorable Mention for the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, and attainment of the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scout Troop 165.

Congratulations and best wishes to William and all our graduating seniors!